Manipur: Mass Protest in Imphal Demands Repeal of AFSPA on Human Rights Day

IMPHAL: Thousands gathered at THAU Ground, Imphal, on International Human Rights Day to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which many consider a violation of fundamental rights.

Led by leading civil society organizations, such as All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, Manipuri Students' Federation, Centre for Human Rights, and All Manipur Women Voluntary Association, the protest came as a unified expression of the students, activists, and citizens from various walks of life.

Carrying banners and placards, participants shouted slogans "Repeal AFSPA", "Self-determination is our right", and "Stop killing innocent people by Kuki terrorists". The speakers abhorred AFSPA as "draconian law" which encourages impunity and promotes abuse of people's rights, demanding that it be withdrawn immediately from Manipur and the Northeast.

The protest comes after renewed enforcement of AFSPA in six police station areas of Manipur, including the violence-affected Jiribam district, following the Centre's November directive. The Union Home Ministry justified the move despite previous exclusions under the Manipur government's October 1 order that limited AFSPA to selected areas.

Speakers at the rally emphasized a governance approach that should be in peace and respect for human rights, which has been an enduring and persistent challenge to the state. Protest reflects Manipur's steady resolve to seek justice and dignity in the face of obstacles from the system and now grows calls for the removal of AFSPA to ensure the protection of human rights.

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